New EPA leader is in denial on the issue of coal

August 10, 2013

New Environmental Protection Agency head Gina McCarthy made it clear recently where she stands on the war on coal: She is in denial and wants other Americans to share her refusal to accept the truth.

In her first speech as EPA director, McCarthy insisted President Barack Obama's plan to intensify his attack on coal-burning utilities will mean more jobs for Americans and will strengthen the economy.

"Can we stop talking about environmental regulations killing jobs?" McCarthy asked in a speech at the Harvard Law School.

No, we cannot.

The war on coal - and thus, on reasonable electricity prices - already has claimed thousands of miners' jobs.

If it proceeds it will result in higher electric bills for tens of millions of U.S. families. Businesses such as aluminum producers, who use enormous amounts of power, will find it much more difficult to compete.

McCarthy may have convinced herself the war on coal is good for the United States.

But on that, the science really is settled: If she and Obama are allowed to proceed, tens of millions of Americans will suffer as the economy declines.